Homemade Granola Bar Recipe: A Delicious and Healthy Treat
Making your own granola bars is easier than you think! This recipe allows for customization to suit your taste and dietary needs, making it a perfect healthy snack for the whole family. Ditch the store-bought options packed with added sugars and preservatives, and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing exactly what's in your granola bars.
Ingredients:
This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preferences. Here's a starting point:
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Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking) This is your base, so don't skimp!
- ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts – your choice!) For added crunch and healthy fats.
- ½ cup seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, chia – mix and match!) Boosting nutrition and texture.
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional, but adds a nice tropical touch)
- ¼ cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots – get creative!) Natural sweetness and flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon A warm and comforting spice.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg Adds depth and complexity.
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Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup Your choice of natural sweetener.
- ¼ cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower) Adds richness and binds the bars together.
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted Helps create a chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the flavor.
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift out the bars later.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts, seeds, coconut (if using), dried fruit, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well to distribute evenly.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), nut butter, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the wet mixture. Don't overmix!
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Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and firmly press it down into an even layer. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or spatula to ensure a consistent thickness.
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Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the granola bars are set. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
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Cool and Cut: Let the granola bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into your desired size. The bars will firm up as they cool. Using the parchment paper overhang will make lifting them out much easier.
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Store: Store your homemade granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Tips and Variations:
- Customize your ingredients: Experiment with different nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and spices to create your own unique granola bar flavor combinations.
- Add chocolate chips: For an extra decadent treat, stir in some dark chocolate chips.
- Make them gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Adjust sweetness: Reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup if you prefer less sweet granola bars.
